Maya Ellison
Whether or not you need to prime a plastic model before painting depends on the desired finish and the type of paint used. Priming is not always necessary, but it can improve adhesion and provide a more uniform base for the paint to adhere to. It can also help to fill in surface imperfections and protect the paint from the oils in your skin. If you are using lacquer paint, you may not need to prime as the paint is hot enough to etch the plastic on its own. However, if you are aiming for a smooth finish, filling in imperfections, or using a different type of paint, priming is recommended.
Do I need to prime plastic models before painting?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Necessary | No, but it is beneficial. |
| Benefits | Better adhesion, more uniform results, reveals surface imperfections, makes the paint more resistant to oils from skin. |
| Sanding | Wet sanding is not necessary, but can be used to smooth any imperfections. |
| Priming before painting | Prime just before painting for best results. |
| Types of primer | Good adhesion from Rustoleum Painters Touch, Dupli-Color Sandable Primers, Tamiya Surface Primer, and gloss or flat black primers. |
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What You'll Learn
- Priming is not necessary, but it helps paint adhesion and gives a more uniform finish
- Primer makes the paint more resistant to the oils on your skin
- Primer helps to reveal surface imperfections
- Wet-sanding is not necessary unless you need to address areas that need putty
- Priming is especially important for large or highly detailed models
Priming is not necessary, but it helps paint adhesion and gives a more uniform finish
Priming plastic models before painting is not an absolute necessity, but it does offer several benefits that can enhance the final outcome. Firstly, it improves paint adhesion, ensuring the paint adheres more effectively to the plastic surface. This is especially useful if your model will be handled frequently, as it can help prevent the paint from being dissolved by the oils in your skin.
Secondly, a primer can help you achieve a more uniform finish. It provides a consistent base layer for the paint to adhere to, resulting in a smoother and more even application of the final colour coats. This is particularly important if you're aiming for a "perfect" finish on models with intricate details, such as planes, cars, or motorbikes.
Additionally, primers can assist in identifying and addressing surface imperfections. They can help reveal mould lines, seam lines, or other minor flaws that may impact the overall appearance of your model. By applying a primer, you can more easily spot and rectify these issues before proceeding with the final paint job.
While it's not mandatory, using a primer can make a noticeable difference in the final outcome of your plastic model. It can enhance the paint's adhesion, improve the uniformity of the finish, and facilitate the detection and correction of surface imperfections. Ultimately, the decision to prime or not comes down to personal preference and the level of detail you desire for your project.
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Primer makes the paint more resistant to the oils on your skin
When building and painting plastic models, you will come into contact with the paint a lot before the model is finished. The paint can easily be dissolved by the oils on your skin. Using a primer can help make the paint more resistant to these oils.
A primer acts as a base coat, creating a foundation for a flawless paint job. It can help cover imperfections, conceal stains, and neutralise the colour of a surface before painting. For plastic models, a primer is especially useful for revealing surface imperfections and achieving that "perfect" smooth finish.
Primers can be water-based or oil-based. Water-based primers are easy to apply and can be removed with soap and water. However, they may not be suitable for all surfaces, as they don't bond well with glossy surfaces. On the other hand, oil-based primers can be more difficult to remove and usually require paint thinner or mineral spirit.
To use a primer effectively, you should first dampen your roller or paintbrush. This will allow the primer to be absorbed evenly. Apply the primer to the corners and edges of the model, and then spot primer any areas where stains or imperfections are exposed. Allow the primer to dry completely before sanding, and then wipe the surface clean with a damp towel.
In summary, using a primer can help make the paint on your plastic models more resistant to the oils on your skin. It can also provide a smooth and flawless finish, improving the overall appearance of your models.
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Primer helps to reveal surface imperfections
When it comes to painting plastic models, the use of a primer is not mandatory, but it is recommended by many model makers. One of the key advantages of using a primer is that it helps to reveal surface imperfections.
A primer can help to fill in any small gaps or indentations in the plastic, creating a smoother surface for the paint to adhere to. This is especially important for models that require a smooth finish, such as planes, cars, or motorbikes. By applying a primer first, you can identify and sand down any imperfections before applying the final paint coat.
Additionally, a primer can help to create a more uniform base for the paint to stick to. This is because primers are designed to have good adhesion to the plastic surface, providing a better foundation for the paint. As a result, the paint is less likely to chip or peel over time, and you may need fewer paint layers to achieve the desired coverage.
The choice of primer colour can also impact the final product. For example, using a gloss black primer can enhance the effect of metallic paints, while a flat black primer can add more shadow or a "dirty" look to the model. A rust-coloured primer, on the other hand, can be useful if you plan to create a chipped or distressed finish.
While some model makers choose to skip the primer step, especially for smaller-scale models or those that will not be handled frequently, others find that using a primer helps to improve the overall finish and protect the paint from oils in your skin. Ultimately, the decision to prime or not comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your project.
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Wet-sanding is not necessary unless you need to address areas that need putty
However, if you are not using a primer, you may need to sand the plastic to ensure the paint adheres properly and to address any moulding or sprue marks. If you are painting a car and aiming for a gloss finish, you can wet sand the final gloss coat and then use polishing compounds and modelling wax to restore the shine.
If you are building a large or highly detailed model, a primer is recommended. It will help to create a uniform base for the paint to adhere to and can also help to reveal surface imperfections. A primer can also save time and money by providing a base colour, reducing the number of paint layers needed.
If you are new to model-making, it is worth experimenting with different techniques to see what works best for you. Some modellers test their paints and primers on plastic spoons before starting a kit.
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Priming is especially important for large or highly detailed models
Priming is a crucial step in the painting process, especially for large or highly detailed plastic models. A primer serves as a protective barrier between the paint and the oils on your skin, ensuring the paint doesn't dissolve from touch. It also helps to create a smooth and uniform base for the paint to adhere to, enhancing the overall finish of the model.
For large and intricate models, a primer becomes even more important. Firstly, it can help to reveal surface imperfections that need to be addressed before painting. By applying a primer, you can identify any mould lines, flashing, or sprue marks that may affect the final appearance. This is crucial for achieving a flawless finish on large models, where imperfections are more noticeable.
Additionally, priming large or detailed models helps to improve paint adhesion. A good primer will ensure that the paint adheres uniformly across the entire surface, reducing the risk of paint chipping or flaking off over time. This is especially beneficial for models that will be handled frequently, as the primer adds an extra layer of protection against wear and tear.
Moreover, priming can save you time and effort in the painting process. By using a primer, you may only need to apply a few colour coats to achieve the desired result, as the primer provides a solid base. This prevents the need for excessive paint layers, which could obscure the finer details of the model.
Finally, priming allows for greater control over the final aesthetic of your model. By choosing different primer colours, such as gloss black or flat black, you can enhance the look of your paint job. For example, a flat black primer can add more shadow and a "dirty" look to the model, while a coloured primer may reduce the number of paint layers needed for full coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not necessary, but priming can improve the final result. Primer can help you achieve a more uniform base for the colour and something for the colour to stick to. It can also help you identify surface imperfections.
Primer can help you achieve a smoother finish by covering imperfections. It also makes the paint a bit more resistant to the oils in your skin.
Good rattle-can primer for polystyrene kits is the lacquer-based Tamiya Surface Primer. Rustoleum Painters Touch (2X) is also good for adhesion and is formulated for plastics. Dupli-Color Sandable Primers are another option that works well for some modellers.
